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Otoplasty New York City

While ears come in all shapes and sizes, ear related deformities and prominent ears can plague individuals who otherwise have a pleasant facial appearance. Dr. Yang addresses these issues as well as reconstruction of the ear following trauma or cancer surgery that has affected the shape of the cartilage and overall appearance of the ear. The otoplasty procedure is used to reshape and recontour the entire ear or aspects of the ear deemed aesthetically displeasing to the patient. Often patients request this procedure because of prominent ears; however, the term otoplasty refers to the general reshaping of the ear.

The best candidate for the otoplasty procedure is someone who wishes to reshape their ear or ears following trauma or injury to the area or because aspects of their ears negatively impact their overall appearance. Candidates for this procedure should be able to identify the parts of their ear or ears they dislike and those they like, and will discuss with Dr. Yang how they would like their ears to appear after surgery.

The Otoplasty Procedure

Dr. Yang begins the procedure by making small incisions behind the ear after which he is able to manipulate the cartilage underneath the skin and/or reposition the ear. Sutures are used to secure the new placement of the ear cartilage and allignment. If the ear is made smaller, cartilage will sometimes be removed through a small incision behind the cartilage in the front of the ear. Both incision sites are undetectable and virtually invisible after the sutures are removed and healing begins. Usually, for adults, the procedure is done in the office under local anesthesia.

After surgery, the patient will have a dressing around their ears that is removed a few days after surgery. At night, a headband is required for a few weeks to protect the newly alligned cartilage and facilitate healing of the ears. Patients can often return to work within a week after surgery and resume normal activities within 2-3 weeks of the procedure. While there is some swelling after surgery, it generally dissipates within the first month after surgery.